Cornell eyes final hurdle

In his five years as head coach at Cornell College Vince Brautigam has transformed a program that went 0-10 in 2010 into a contender in the Midwest Conference. After two near misses the Rams hope to clear the final hurdle this season and win a league championship.

“Two years ago we were basically a play away from winning the championship and last year we played in the last regular season game for a shot at the championship”, said Brautigam. “The hard part is finally getting there and making enough plays to finish games to win a conference championship. That’s what our goal is this year.”

Cornell is coming off back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in 20 years and the offense expects to be potent led by dual threat quarterback Daniel Brown. The Florida native burst onto the scene midway through his freshman year and passed for 15 touchdowns and rushed for six more.

“He can throw it, he can run it and now the biggest thing for him is the game has slowed down and he can use his athleticism to his benefit.” said Brautigam.

Brown will have two All-Conference targets to throw to in wide receiver Ben Knake and tight end Charlie Zilaitis.

Cornell opens the season at home on September fifth against Iowa Wesleyan.